National glory for Bushido MMA fighters

The team's coach at the Bushido MMA Gym, Greg Thomas, said his fighters have trained hard for the MMA National Championships.

May 5, 2026

Vusi Mthalane 1 minute read

Uwais Akoob tries to pin Bongokuhle Mbatha to the floor. PHOTO: Vusi Mthalane.

THE Bushido MMA Gym, a mixed martial arts (MMA) dojo in Athlone Park, has sent a team of eager athletes to represent KZN at the South African MMA National Championships in Gauteng.

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The fighters will participate in the youth and senior categories. The team’s coach, who also runs Bushido MMA Gym, Greg Thomas, said his fighters have trained hard, and they have shown dedication.

On April 25, the fighters went through different rounds of tough training, with Thomas pushing them to their limits. They also received and wore their fighting kit.

“I’m looking forward to a very good outcome. I’ve taken the youth under my wing, and I’ve looked after them because I love raising up-and-coming champions. Watching them grow is amazing,” said Thomas.

The Bushido MMA Gym does not only train local fighters, as some of them hail from all corners of the city.

Some of the Bushido MMA Gym fighters who have qualified for the national championships.

The KZN squad:

Youth A (16–17)
Ronen Mylchreest
Jazmin Viljoen

Youth B (14–15)
Oneil Naicker
Caidyn Austin
Abigail De Neys

Youth D (10–11)
Francois Schuch
Milan Louw
Bongokuhle Mbatha
Anvi Anvi
Kaycee Subramoney

Seniors
Sam Mbele
Mylo Mdladla
Olwethu Mbele
Jade Grundligh
Musa Sibiya
Demi Shaye Clarke
Bren van Zyl

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May 5, 2026

Vusi Mthalane 1 minute read

Vusi Mthalane

Vusi Mthalane is a senior journalist with the South Coast Sun newspaper. With more than 13 years of newsroom experience, he covers stories that matter to communities along the South Coast, from Isipingo to Umgababa. His work has also appeared in The Witness, Zululand Fever, and the South Coast Fever.